Vegyszer

Vegyszer is the Hungarian term for a chemical substance or chemical agent. It denotes any material composed of chemical elements or compounds that can be used to perform a reaction, produce a product, or facilitate a process. Vegyszerek can be pure substances, such as a single element or compound, or formulations and mixtures designed for specific uses.

Common contexts include laboratory reagents, industrial chemicals, solvents, catalysts, polymers, and specialty chemicals used in manufacturing. In everyday life, many vegyszerek appear as cleaning agents, detergents, solvents, and coatings. In agriculture, plant-protection products are sometimes referred to as vegyszerek as well, though the term is broader than pest control products.

Chemicals are classified by composition (organic vs inorganic), hazard (flammable, toxic, corrosive), and application. Safety data sheets (SDS, magyarul biztonsági adatlap) provide hazard information, handling instructions, and first-aid measures. Proper labeling, storage, and disposal are essential to minimize risks to people and the environment.

Regulation: In the European Union, the registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction of chemicals through REACH applies to most vegyszerek. Hungary follows EU rules and national regulations on packaging, labeling, transport (ADR for hazardous goods), and environmental protection. Companies are responsible for safe use and compliance.

Notes: The term is neutral but can imply hazardous materials; it is widely used in science, industry, and regulation. It is distinct from gyógyszer, which in Hungarian refers to a medicine.